Ronald Ray Shelton, 72, of Crab Orchard, passed away Thursday, November 10, after an extended illness. 
Born September 13, 1944, in Crab Orchard, Ray was a son of the late James G. and Catherine (Payne) Shelton.  He was a member of the Crab Orchard Christian Church. Ray retired from the Lincoln County Road Department in 2000 having worked as a heavy equipment operator for 26 years. He also was a former police officer in Crab Orchard and the owner and operator of the Phillips 66 service station in Crab Orchard. Ray was an avid gardener and farmer and he also loved to hunt and fish.
Ray is survived by his wife, Stella Shelton of Crab Orchard, whom he married April 7, 1984; son, James Ray Shelton of Richmond; stepdaughter, Diana King and husband Mike of Crab Orchard; three cherished grandchildren, Lyvia Shelton of Richmond and Christian and Justin Johnson of Kings Mountain; one precious great granddaughter, Mackinley Johnson; six brothers, John, Tea, Bill, Truman, David (Velma) Shelton and Ed (Sally) Shelton; four sisters, Elizabeth (Gene) Manning, Dale Julian, Mary (Glenn) Smith and Christine (Tommy) Ray.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by a brother, George Shelton; and sisters, Betty Wilburn and Ruby Owens.
Funeral services were Monday, November 14 at McKnight Funeral Home in Crab Orchard with Bro. Dale Hunt, Bro. Brad King and Bro. Rick Davis officiating. Burial was in Crab Orchard Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Christian and Justin Johnson, Joey Shelton, Joe Julian, Bobby Turpin and Larry Elder. Honorary pallbearers was Rick and Scott Shelton.